not really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not really" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a degree of disagreement or lack of enthusiasm regarding something, or to express a negative opinion in a subtle way. For example: "Do you like rock music?" "Not really, I prefer something more mellow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

not really.

The Washington Post

Not Really.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not really I think.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Not really!

American Journal of Hypertension

P12: No, not really.

BMJ Open

Not really, no.

BMC Health Services Research

"Not really my responsibility.

BMC Public Health

Ratna: Q: Not really?

BMC Public Health

Mother 2: No not really.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not really" to soften a negative response or express mild disagreement, making your communication more polite and less confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "not really" excessively in formal writing or presentations as it can sound too casual or uncertain. Opt for more direct and professional language when precision is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not really" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used in response to a question or statement to express a mild form of disagreement or a lack of strong affirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not really" serves as a versatile tool for expressing mild disagreement, uncertainty, or a lack of strong affirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct but leans towards informal usage. While useful in casual conversations and some news contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal or academic settings where more precise language is preferred. Remember to use it to soften your responses and avoid overuse in contexts requiring higher formality. Related phrases like "not exactly" or "not particularly" can serve as more nuanced alternatives depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exactly

Indicates something is close but not perfectly accurate or true. It introduces a subtle difference.

not quite

Suggests something is almost, but not completely, the case. It implies a small degree of incompleteness.

not entirely

Indicates something is partially true but not completely so. It expresses a partial agreement or truth.

not particularly

Expresses a lack of strong feeling or interest. It weakens the affirmation or agreement.

not especially

Similar to "not particularly", it indicates a moderate level of disagreement or disinterest.

not so much

Indicates that something is not as important or true as previously suggested.

kind of not

Informal way to express a weak disagreement or negation. Highlights the uncertainty and informality.

not really no

Expresses negation with an additional emphasis. The double negation shows a more definitive rejection.

hardly

Suggests that something is barely the case or almost not at all. Emphasizes the scarcity or infrequency of something.

not at all

Indicates a complete negation or absence of something. It is a stronger form of disagreement or denial.

FAQs

How can I use "not really" in a sentence?

"Not really" is typically used as a short response to a question to express a mild form of disagreement or lack of enthusiasm. For example, if someone asks "Are you hungry?", you could reply, "Not really".

What's the difference between "not really" and "not exactly"?

Both phrases express a degree of negation, but "not really" suggests a general lack of enthusiasm or mild disagreement, while "not exactly" indicates that something is close but not perfectly accurate or true.

What can I say instead of "not really" to sound more formal?

In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "not particularly", "not entirely", or "not quite" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision and professionalism.

Is it okay to use "not really" in academic writing?

While "not really" is grammatically correct, it is generally too informal for academic writing. Strive for more precise and formal language to maintain a professional tone.